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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Tenders

These tenders feature a sticky-sweet honey-butter-garlic coating on a crunchy breadcrumb shell, delivering a fast and flavorful meal in about 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tenders
  • 1 pound chicken tenders Pat dry before seasoning
  • 1/4 cup honey For sweetness and glaze
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Melt until liquid, do not brown
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Use finely minced garlic for even distribution
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Use regular plain breadcrumbs for the best crust
  • as needed Cooking spray To lightly spray the tenders before cooking

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan until liquid; do not brown it.
  2. Whisk in the honey and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  3. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Coating
  1. Dip each tender into the honey-butter-garlic mixture, turning to coat fully.
  2. Press the coated tender into the breadcrumbs to cover completely.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer in the basket with space between them.
  2. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to encourage even browning.
  3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden-brown and crispy.
  4. Remove tenders and let them rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, dry the chicken well to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Allow the tenders to rest after cooking for better glaze consistency. Panko breadcrumbs can be used for a crunchier texture.